Increase in Card Skimming Devices Reported in Savannah

News Summary

Savannah is facing a rising threat of credit and debit card skimming devices, prompting urgent warnings from local police. The Savannah Police Department has uncovered these devices at various ATMs and well-known establishments, including CVS and Walgreens. Authorities are urging residents to inspect card readers carefully and consider using contactless payment methods as a precaution. The police are collaborating with federal agencies to combat this crime, emphasizing community involvement in reporting suspicious activities.

Savannah Experiences Increase in Card Skimming Devices

Savannah is facing a concerning uptick in the prevalence of credit and debit card skimming devices, prompting urgent warnings from local law enforcement. The Savannah Police Department has reported the discovery of these devices at various locations, including ATMs and well-known establishments such as pharmacies and gas stations.

Police Findings and Safety Recommendations

Detective Eric Rhimes has indicated that the skimming devices are designed to go unnoticed, making them challenging for users to detect without thorough inspections. A typical skimming setup involves a device that fits over the card slot, capturing card numbers, combined with a keypad overlay that replicates the legitimate ATM keypad. These devices can be discreetly installed by criminals in mere seconds.

Recent reports reveal that skimming devices have been located at prominent drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, often near the entrance. Additionally, a confirmed instance was noted at a Murphy Express gas station situated on Abercorn Street. As a precaution, police officials urge residents to carefully examine card readers prior to usage to prevent potential financial losses.

Identifying Tampered Card Readers

Consumers should be aware of specific indicators that may suggest a compromised card reader. These include a keypad that moves or any difficulty encountered when attempting to insert a card. Detective Rhimes advocates for heightened vigilance when using ATMs, recommending individuals look for any signs of tampering before using the machines.

To enhance safety, individuals are encouraged to utilize tap-to-pay options or digital wallets like Apple Pay, as these methods reduce the likelihood of falling victim to skimming incidents. Those who encounter suspicious machines or unauthorized charges on their accounts should promptly contact both their bank and the Savannah Police.

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Skimming

In response to this alarming situation, the Savannah Police Department is working in collaboration with the United States Secret Service to identify and apprehend those responsible for deploying these skimming devices. Furthermore, the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) has also issued warnings following the discovery of two financial card skimmers found in Kroger stores located on Ogeechee Road and Johnny Mercer Boulevard. These devices have since been removed from the stores.

Advice for Merchants and Customers

Merchants are strongly advised to routinely inspect card readers to check for any signs of tampering. Fraudulent skimmers can closely resemble legitimate ones, although they often appear thicker or may lack protective keypads. The CCPD also recommends that consumers who frequently visit the impacted locations remain vigilant by closely monitoring their financial transactions.

Reporting and Community Involvement

Individuals with information regarding the skimming devices or potential suspects are encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement or submit anonymous tips via the CCPD app or Crime Stoppers hotline at 912-234-2020. Community awareness and proactive measures are crucial in combating the rising threat of card skimming and safeguarding personal financial information.

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Additional Resources

• WJCL: Savannah Police Warn of Card Skimmer Surge
• SavannahNow: Financial Card Skimmers Found
• WSAV: How to Spot a Card Skimmer
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Card Skimmer
• The Sun: Kroger Shoppers Check Accounts for Skimmer Devices
• Google Search: Card Skimmers in Savannah